Durable floors are an important thing to take into consideration when building or remodeling. Having old, worn-out floors is a daunting task, and you’ll likely want to prevent that for resale!

Choosing a durable flooring type depends on where in the house you’re going to put it. For example, in high moisture areas like kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms you won’t want to use hardwood. This is because hardwood doesn’t hold up to moisture and rough treatment.

Hardwood floors are said to need refinishing every ten years to keep their looks up to par. This is something to take into consideration when choosing this floor. The best rooms for hardwood are living rooms, dining rooms, and family rooms.

Enter engineered wood. Engineered wood flooring is just like solid wood but made differently. This flooring option is made sturdy by layers of plywood underneath thin natural wood on top. Depending on the type of wood on top, there are options to make it more resistant to dents or scratches. However, overall engineered wood is still easily dented and scratched.  In humid areas, this is a better option than hardwood floors due to the changes in temperature and humidity.  The durability of this flooring type is that it will only last one to three refinishes, before needing a complete redo.

Ceramic tile is a great durable flooring option. With several types including both glazed and unglazed tiles, it’s the most durable type of flooring. It’s resistant to scratches, dents, moisture, and is easy to clean. However, disadvantages would be that it can be slippery, cold, and is hard. Keep this in mind if you have little children or elderly who are likely to fall.

Laminate flooring is comparable to ceramic tile in many ways. However, laminate flooring is less durable when it comes to moisture. Laminate cannot be refinished, causing it’s long term value to be significantly less than long lasting options like hardwood and tile.

Vinyl is a good option when it comes to durability both from moisture and traffic. Vinyl flooring can last up to 20 years, making it a better option than some other flooring types when it comes to lasting. However, it is easy to scratch, and not eco-friendly.

Linoleum is a long lasting option that’s been around for over a century. It can easily last up to 40 years. Proper care can ensure this, such as uv protective coating, avoiding sharp objects and high heels to prevent scratching and tearing.

Cork is a resilient flooring option, that is quiet, soft, and warm. However, it is susceptible to tears, dents, and moisture. It’s upkeep is also more frequent than the other flooring options listed because you need to reseal it every year.

Carpet is a durable flooring option that is great for bedrooms, living rooms, and dens. However, the maintenance is more demanding than other types due to it’s easy staining and dirt trapping tendencies.

Out of these flooring types, it’s likely that you’ll find the best fit for your lifestyle and home. Check out our selection of durable flooring today!